The U.S. Attorney's Office says the Portsmouth couple, 43-year-old Vernon Norvell and 31-year-old Cheron Johnson, entered the pleas Monday in federal court in Norfolk. Norvell pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Johnson pleaded guilty to money laundering and making a false statement in a tax filing.

Prosecutors ran a large-scale cocaine operation at his home and the couple's business, G's Cake Shop.

According to court documents, Norvell and Johnson used the proceeds of cocaine dealing to buy a home, several automobiles and expensive clothing.